KCSE 2026 Computer Studies Paper 1 Prediction

Form 4 KCSE 2026 Computer Studies Paper 1 Prediction

Published on March 10th 2026 | 13 mins , 2521 words

1. Explain the term procedural language as used in computer programming. (2mks)

A procedural language is a type of programming language that follows a step-by-step approach in executing instructions.

·It is based on procedures or functions, which are blocks of code that perform specific tasks.

2. A company allows employees to telework work at home and communicate with the office using internet.

(i) State three ways that a report could be sent to the office using the internet. (3mks)

Email attachment
Cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)
Instant messaging (e.g., WhatsApp, Slack, Microsoft Teams)
Video conferencing screen sharing
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
Online collaboration tools (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft OneDrive)

(ii) Give two benefits to the company of using video conferencing. (2mks)

Reduces travel costs
Improves real-time collaboration
Enhances communication efficiency
Allows remote work flexibility

3. List two types of job opportunities that are available in the field of computer software. (2mks)

Software developer
System analyst
Database administrator
Network engineer

4. Describe three ways of deleting a line of text in Microsoft word document. (3mks)

Use Shift + End, then press Delete.
Select the line using a mouse and press Delete or Backspace.
Place the cursor at the beginning of the line and press Backspace continuously.

5. Explain the holistic thinking with respect of system development. (2mks)

Holistic thinking considers the entire system as a whole rather than focusing on individual parts.
It ensures all components, including users, processes, hardware, and software, work efficiently together.

6. Give three features of good algorithm. (3mks)

Finiteness – The algorithm must terminate after a finite number of steps.
Definiteness – Each step should be precisely defined.
Effectiveness – It should be simple and practical.
Input/Output – It must have input values and produce output.

7. List three human features used in biometric systems installed in a computer to authenticate users. (3mks)

Fingerprint
Retina/Iris scan
Facial recognition
Voice recognition

8. Mention three ways in which human beings issue commands to computer. (3mks)

Keyboard input
Mouse clicks
Touchscreen gestures
Voice commands
Joystick or game controllers

9. Give four file management tasks that would be carried out by an operating system. (4mks)

Creating files
Deleting files
Renaming files
Copying files
Organizing files into folders
Managing file permissions

10. What is input validation with regard to spreadsheet application. (2mks)

It is the process of ensuring that only valid and meaningful data is entered into a spreadsheet.
It involves setting constraints such as numerical limits, text formats, or required fields.

11. Explain three health challenges that workers may experience as a result of using ICT gadgets in an organization. (3mks)

Eye strain
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Back pain
Stress from prolonged screen exposure
Hearing damage from loud audio devices

12. Identify two circumstances under which a system analyst may prefer to use automated methods to collect data instead of questionnaire, observation, interviews and book review. (2mks)

When handling large data volumes
When real-time data collection is required
When high accuracy is needed
When working in hazardous environments

13. Explain the following measures against unauthorized access: (2mks)

(a) Security Policy – A set of rules defining how an organization protects IT infrastructure.
(b) Security Monitor – A system that continuously checks for security breaches.

14. Briefly explain two types of logical topologies. (2mks)

Ethernet Network (Logical Bus, Physical Star)

o Physically, all devices are connected to a switch (star topology).

o Logically, data flows like a bus network (Ethernet broadcasts packets).

Token Ring (Logical Ring, Physical Star)

o Devices are physically connected in a star shape.

o Data travels in a ring-like pattern using a token.

15. What does gutter mean in relation to column setting in DTP. (2mks)

The gutter is the extra space between columns to improve readability or allow for binding in printed materials.

SECTION B

16. a) State the three basic types of program control structures. (3mks)

Sequence – Instructions are executed one after another in the order they appear.

Selection (Decision-Making) – The program makes a choice based on a condition (e.g., IF-ELSE statements). Iteration (Looping) – A set of instructions is repeated until a condition is met (e.g., WHILE, FOR loops).

b) Define the following terms:

i) Hardware oriented (2mks)

Refers to software or programming languages that are designed to work closely with hardware components.

Example: Assembly language directly interacts with a computer’s CPU and memory.

ii) Translator (2mks)

A program that converts code from one programming language into another, typically from high-level to machine code.

Types include compilers, interpreters, and assemblers.

iii) Syntax error (2mks)

An error that occurs when the program does not follow the grammatical rules of a programming language.
Example: Missing a semicolon (;) in C programming.

c) Study the following flowchart diagram.

i) Indicate the purpose of the above flowchart. (1mk)

The flowchart is used to determine the highest and the lowest between A and B.

ii) Design a pseudocode for the flowchart above.(5mks)

BEGIN

PRINT "Enter the first number:"

INPUT num1

PRINT "Enter the second number:"

INPUT num2

IF num1 > num2 THEN

PRINT "The largest number is: ", num1

ELSE IF num2 > num1 THEN

PRINT "The largest number is: ", num2

ELSE

PRINT "Both numbers are equal."

ENDIF

END.

Explanation:

The program prompts the user to input two numbers.
It compares the two numbers using conditional statements (IF-ELSE).
It prints the larger number or states that both are equal.

17. a) Study the table below and answer the questions that follow.

| | | | | | | |
|   | A | B | C | D | E | F | G
| 1 | Product ID | Product Name | Received Quantity | Sold Quantity | Balance Stock | Unit Price | Total
| 2 | KW00012 | KDF | 1000 | 300 | 700 | 60 |
| 3 | KW00023 | Juice Kola | 200 | 150 | 50 | 50 |
| 4 | KW00045 | Gaddafi | 130 | 130 | 0 | 10 |
| 5 | KW00029 | Bread | 400 | 200 | 200 | 50 |
| 6 | Trade Discount | 10% |   |   |   |   |
| 7 | VAT | 16% |   |   |   |   |

(i) Write down the formula that

Calculate the balance stock (2mks)

=C2 - D2

Calculate the total cost (2mks)

=E2 * F2

(ii) Given that customers who purchased Juice Kola were allowed 10% trade discount write a formula that would be used to get the total cost. (2mks)

= (F3 * D3) * (1 - 10%)

(iii) Value added Tax of 16% was imposed on Gaddafi write a formula for the new price. (2mks)

=F4 * (1 + 16%)

b) Describe three hardware related factors that one need to consider before installing an operating system. (3mks)

Processor Speed – The CPU must meet the minimum requirements for the OS.

RAM Capacity – Sufficient memory is needed for smooth operation.

Storage Space – The hard drive or SSD must have enough free space for installation.

Graphics Capability – A compatible graphics card may be required for certain OS features.

Peripheral Compatibility – The OS should support existing printers, scanners, and other devices.

c) List three things that may cause malfunction in Microsoft Window Operating system environment (3mks)

Malware and Viruses – Can corrupt system files and slow down performance.

Corrupt System Files – Improper shutdowns or failed updates can lead to errors.

Hardware Failure – Faulty RAM, hard drives, or overheating can cause crashes.

Software Conflicts – Incompatible or poorly coded applications may lead to instability.

Driver Issues – Outdated or incompatible device drivers can cause system errors.

18.a) List two types of domain names given to institutions of learning. (2mks)

· .edu – Used by educational institutions worldwide.

· .ac (e.g., .ac.ke, .ac.uk, .ac.in) – Used by academic institutions in specific countries.

b) Explain the function of each button on the navigation toolbar of a web browser. (3mks)

(i) History – Displays a list of previously visited web pages.
(ii) Home – Navigates to the predefined homepage of the browser.
(iii) Download – Opens the download manager to show downloaded files.

c) Peter Kenneth bought a PC for his personal use at home. He wanted to do online writing at home to earn a living but there was no internet connectivity at home. Mention three internet connectivity requirements Peter Kenneth need to consider to get full internet connectivity. (3mks)

Internet Service Provider (ISP) subscription – To access internet services.

Networking hardware (e.g., router, modem, or mobile hotspot) – To establish internet connectivity.

Data plan or broadband connection – To provide internet access for online work.

d) Give three reasons to justify why companies like Alibaba, Kilimali, Jumia, Copia and Masoko prefer selling their products on e-commerce platform (3mks)

Wider customer reach – Access to a global market.
Reduced operational costs – No need for physical stores.
24/7 availability – Customers can shop anytime.
Data-driven marketing – AI and analytics help personalize offers.
Secure and convenient transactions – Online payment systems simplify purchases.

e) Describe two factors to consider when choosing a file organization method. (2mks)

Speed of data access – How quickly data needs to be retrieved.
Storage efficiency – Optimal use of storage space.
Ease of updating records – Adding, modifying, and deleting records should be simple.
Data integrity and security – Protection against loss and unauthorized access.
Nature of application – Some methods suit specific data processing needs.

f) State two challenges facing electronic data processing modes in the current society. (2mks)

Cybersecurity threats – Risk of hacking and data breaches.
High initial cost – Expensive infrastructure and software.
Data loss risks – System failures and accidental deletions.
Technical expertise requirement – Skilled personnel needed for maintenance.
Privacy concerns – Unauthorized access to personal data.

19. a) Enumerate four break-through in health care investigated by ICT (4mks)

Telemedicine – Remote diagnosis and treatment through video calls and mobile apps.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) – Digital storage and retrieval of patient medical records.
Robotic Surgery – Precision surgeries performed with robotic assistance.
AI-powered Diagnostics – Machine learning algorithms assisting in disease detection and treatment planning.

b) Name four application areas of artificial Intelligence. (4mks)

Healthcare (e.g., AI diagnostics, drug discovery)
Finance (e.g., fraud detection, stock market analysis)
Autonomous vehicles (e.g., self-driving cars)
Customer service (e.g., chatbots, virtual assistants)
Cybersecurity (e.g., threat detection)
Manufacturing (e.g., predictive maintenance, quality control)

c) List three scanning devices available at electronic Point Sale Terminal. (3mks)

Barcode scanner
QR code scanner
Magnetic stripe reader
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) scanner

d) Describe two ways of avoiding eavesdropping. . (2mks)

Using encryption – Encrypting communication to prevent unauthorized access.

· Using VPNs – Secure tunneling to hide internet traffic.

· Avoiding public Wi-Fi – Preventing exposure to unsecured networks.

· Using strong authentication methods – Implementing multi-factor authentication

e) System failure is considered as a threat to data security. Describe three measures an organization should put in place to guard against system failure. (3mks)

Regular data backups – Ensuring critical data is stored safely.
Using Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) – Protecting against power failures.
Updating and patching software – Preventing vulnerabilities and security risks.
Implementing redundancy – Having backup systems in case of hardware failure.
Monitoring system performance – Identifying and addressing issues before failure occurs.

20.a) List two types of fields in a database use to create relationship between multiple tables. (2mks)

Primary Key – A unique identifier in a table.
Foreign Key – A field in one table that refers to the primary key of another table.

b) Describe three types of relationships used in a database to link multiple tables. (3mks)

One-to-One (1:1) – Each record in Table A is related to only one record in Table B.
One-to-Many (1:M) – One record in Table A can be linked to multiple records in Table B, but a record in Table B relates to only one in Table A.
Many-to-Many (M:M) – Records in Table A can be related to multiple records in Table B and vice versa.

c) Describe the following field data types as used in Databases

i) Calculated Field (2mks)

· A field that derives its value from an expression or formula rather than being manually entered.

· Example: A field calculating Total_Price as Quantity * Unit_Price.

ii) Attachment Field (2mks)

· A field used to store files such as images, documents, or PDFs within a database.

· Example: Attaching a scanned copy of an ID to a customer record.

d) Name two power related problems usually affects the running of a computer in a lab. (2mks)

Power surges – Sudden increases in voltage that can damage components.
Blackouts – Total power loss that causes unsaved work to be lost.
Brownouts – Low voltage levels that may cause instability in devices.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) – Disruptions caused by electrical noise affecting performance.